A Manchester United star who saw his mooted transfer fall through could still leave the club, it has emerged.
Manchester United’s Summer Clear-Out Continues — But One Exit Collapses at the Last Minute
Manchester United oversaw a major squad overhaul in the summer window, parting ways with 12 players through both permanent and loan deals. The latest departure was Andre Onana, who sealed a loan move to Trabzonspor after United secured Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp on deadline day.
But one player’s exit broke down in dramatic fashion. Academy graduate Sam Mather was on the verge of joining Turkish side Kayserispor, only for United to pull the plug late on.
Despite a transfer fee, personal terms, and a buyback clause all being agreed, United reportedly decided they could not complete the necessary paperwork in time for the Turkish deadline, according to the Manchester Evening News.
The 21-year-old forward, who featured on the 2024 pre-season tour but is yet to make a senior appearance, now finds himself in limbo. For the time being, he is expected to train with Erik ten Hag’s first team and feature in select academy matches while his situation is reassessed in January.
There could still be a way out sooner. The transfer window remains open in Serbia, Israel, and across the Middle East — including the UAE and Qatar — if Mather chooses to explore those options. Interest from clubs in Sweden and Germany had also surfaced earlier in the summer as the youngster seeks regular first-team minutes.
England youth international Sam Mather signed his first professional deal with Manchester United in 2021 and has since gained experience on loan spells with Rochdale and Tranmere Rovers.
Another player whose future was uncertain is Dutch left-back Tyrell Malacia. Part of United’s so-called “bomb squad” — a group frozen out of first-team training — Malacia appeared set to leave. He was linked with Turkish side Eyüpspor, while a proposed loan switch to La Liga outfit Elche collapsed on deadline day.
Unlike Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Alejandro Garnacho, who all secured moves away either permanently or on loan, Malacia surprisingly stayed put and was even named in United’s Premier League squad for the season.
